The photocatalytic potential of BiOBr for wastewater treatment: A mini-review

Heterogeneous photocatalysis using semiconductor as a mediator is now regarded as an effective approach for wastewater treatment. Among the various available photocatalysts, TiO2 is the most frequently used; however, it is only active under UV light. Nowadays, the specific energy demand for pristine TiO2 leads to the extensive investigation and development of other non-TiO2 photocatalysts, which are visible light active. Among the various recently developed photocatalysts, bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) is sensitive to a larger part of the solar spectrum. This paper aims to review recent works on the methods commonly employed in the synthesis of BiOBr, the properties of BiOBr synthesized using such methods, the photocatalytic activity of pristine BiOBr, strategies employed to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of BiOBr and the effect of operational parameters on its efficiency towards the photodegradation of organic pollutants.